Watch Border Cafe

Border Cafe, released in 2005, directed by Kambuzia Partovi and starring Fereshteh Sadre Orafaiy, Parviz Parastui, and Nikos Papadopoulos is a stunning cinematic work that takes a look at the lives of people in and around the Iran-Turkey border. The movie opens with an aerial shot of the snow-covered Turkish hills and then transitions to the main characters of the film - Aziz (Parviz Parastui), local coffee-shop owner Yusuf (Nikos Papadopoulos), and the stunningly beautiful though lonely Iraq-Iran border guard, Nazanin (Fereshteh Sadre Orafaiy). The three individuals are all struggling to survive in the economically deprived area that borders Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. They form a tenuous bond, and their intertwined stories are one of hope, love, and survival.

The film takes the audience on a journey through a world of refugees, smugglers, and insurgents that populate the border towns along the Iran-Turkey boundary. It touches upon various social issues such as the immigration struggles of refugees and the hardships that borderland communities have to deal with, including poverty and the lack of basic necessities.

Moreover, Partition divides people even though they are next-door neighbors. The story also highlights the many obstacles that exist between the civilians and the military as Nazanin tries to balance her role as a military border guard with her love life at home.

As the story unfolds over the course of the film, the lives of the three main characters intertwine, and their past experiences and struggles become interconnected. Yusuf's coffee-shop is central to the story, where individuals from all walks of life come together to enjoy an addiction in hopes of a better future.

The café serves as a neutral zone where people from different walks of life mix with people from different nationalities. It brings a sense of peace, unity, and identity to the people of the borderland who have lost everything during the war.

The cinematography of the movie is awe-inspiring, capturing the desolate beauty of the borderlands and the majestic mountains that slowly emerge from the mist. The shots of the gorgeous landscape are complemented by the stark reality of the borderland's hard life, with the portrayal of the characters' emotions and daily struggles beautifully depicted in the movie.

The filmmakers also use music to convey the emotional states of the characters. We see Nazanin finding solace in the music of a Kurdish singer she admires, while Yusuf has an emotional connection with Turkish folk music that reminds him of his family in Turkey. The use of music in the film is very organic, and it blends with the story seamlessly, making the audience experience the emotions of the characters.

Overall, Border Cafe is an artistic piece of cinema that enlightens the viewer on social and regional issues, while also highlighting the human experience. It portrays the daily struggles of the people in the borderlands with sensitivity and grace, making it accessible and relatable to people from all over the world.

In conclusion, with its beautiful imagery, an excellent script, and captivating performances from its cast, Border Cafe is a thought-provoking movie that provokes the viewer's thoughts and emotions in equal measure. This film is a must-watch for anyone who loves quality cinema, however, it is not recommended for those who only seek a typical Hollywood-style of cinema.